Two main types of Latakia exist historically: the more commonly found "Cyprian" and the now harder to obtain Syrian, where Latakia originated. Cyprian Latakia (like that used in our Smoked Latakia extraction) has become commonplace in the pipe-smoking world of today, largely due to the fact that true Syrian Latakia hasn't actually been produced for over a decade, primarily due to ecological impact on the region. In fact, some estimate that the world's supply of Syrian Latakia, derived from applying aromatic hardwood and shrub smoke to the higher-in-nicotine and more robust tobacco variety called Shekk-el-Bint, will be no more within the coming decade. Cyprian Latakia, conversely, also a smoked leaf tobacco, is created similarly but from a Oriental/Turkish varietal, typically Smyrna or Izmir tobacco.

The resultant difference, though subtle at times, comes out with with more aging/steeping of the eLiquid or extract; while Cyprian Latakia is a delicately sweet, yet fully smokey spiced condiment tobacco, it's tone is at times moderate to the even more hearty, more directly bold yet also more tangy/sour notes in Syria's version. Together, balanced with other up-to-the challenge tobaccos, such as a zesty perique and the darker shades of Virginias, true complexity in an English-style pipe blend is more easily achieved. Those that love Latakia in eLiquid, tend to like it in heavy dose, which is hard to maintain true complexity as a blend quickly becomes one-dimensional if a more tempered hand is not applied...however alternating between or combining the two in varying portions allows that delicate balance of robust "smoke" quality and perceivable "complexity" to shine!

The first thing that struck me about this NET juice is that you can really smell it when you take the cap off of the bottle. A lot of other NET flavors have excellent flavor and aroma when you vape but they don't typically have much of a nose on them while in the bottle. The peculiar thing with Shek-el-Bint is that when you smell it in the bottle it smells tires or oil. Almost like walking into an automotive shop. The flavor of this juice is similar to E=mc2 but more refined in my opinion. I love vaping it on occasion as it eliminates my vapor-tongue I sometimes gets on my EDV. I'm really glad I took a chance on this flavor.

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May 30, 2018

Reviewer:
THOMAS BRANTLEY from NEWVILLE, AL United States

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January 8, 2018

Reviewer:
Andrew Karonis from Forest Hills, NY United States

Good smoky vape

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Best juice ever

November 28, 2017

Reviewer:
Christian Olander from Sammamish, WA United States

After trying many (25-30) different tobacco flavours from other producers I came across this mob on the net and ordered a several different samples to try. They are all execellent juices and highly recommend all of the Turkish flavours, poilu liberte toujours, red Virginia and C sharp to name a few, but this is definitely one of the best thus far.